Meccano & Erector

CanadianCanadian MeccaNotesMeccaNotes Issue #60 • December 2010

Meccano Quebec at Railway Museum ... see page 26 2 Canadian MeccaNotes December 2010

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123(March, June, September and December) by 4 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123- US$54. Make cheque or money order payable 4

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123enthusiasts for Meccano enthusiasts.” 4 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123Meccano & Allied Systems (CMAMAS) 4 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123CMAMAS Executive 4

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123Vice President ... Attila Szakonyi, 4

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123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 Meccano Quebec at Railway Museum 1

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012310 Fendley Crt, Brampton, Ontario, Canada, 4

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 Editor’s Notes 3 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123L6Z 3H9, [email protected], 4 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 Product Manager News - December 3 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123(905)846-5287 4 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234

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123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 Presidential Perusings 4

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123M8V 2M6, [email protected] 4 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 Two Models by Terry Pettitt 6

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123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 Having Fun at the Nov. 2010 Hobby Show 7 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123Secretary ... Frank Curry, 8 Windham Drive, 4

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123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 My Pinyon Blocksetter 12

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123Williams, 3017 - 111A Street, Edmonton, 4 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 London Transport Class C3 Trolleybus 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123Alberta, Canada T6J 3Y5, [email protected], 4

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123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 Meccano Quebec at Railway Museum 26

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 The Peddler 27

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123M2R 1K7, [email protected], 4

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123(416)733-8670 4

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123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234 December 2010 Canadian MeccaNotes 3 Editor’s Notes Product Manager News - This issue includes Ed Barclay’s “C3 Trolleybus” and December his description of a rare Meccano part. Thanks also Hello everyone, Happy Holidays from the parts and to Jim Bobyn, Glynn Bates, Eric Eisen, Lloyd sets depot. We have had a tre- Schneider, Hubert Hogle, Dave Duncan, Colin Hoare mendous year with new and and others for supplying items for this issue. exciting parts and goodies for Ron Corry ([email protected]) sale. Again I want to express reported on spanner that my gratitude to all members Meccano France was bailed out who purchased items from our by the French Government. Our club throughout the year. All favourite toy maker is now bulk orders are now officially owned/supported by the French complete. I want to apologize government. It would certainly for the March bulk order delay explain the earlier report that due to unforeseen circumstances Meccano were taking back pro- from one of our key suppliers. duction to France from China. We all hope that his production begins again The complete story is in this article “Picking win- sometime soon. I want to thank Ashok for stepping ners, saving losers” at this link: up to supply our needs in a quick and professional manner. I have established a business relationship http://www.economist.com/node/16741043 with Metallus. These parts will be available for the As always, the newsletter is only as good as the next bulk order in March-2011. The price lists for contributors. Your articles, photos, model plans, 2011 will posted this month on our website. If you short news items, wants, sales and swap ads are do not have web access, please send your request wanted. Items in machine readable form (e-mail, for current copies to our new treasurer Mike Sobanski CD/DVD) are preferred but everything is accept- with a payment of $5.00. able. If you scan photos, please scan them at a Now on to the fun stuff. I have some surplus stock minimum resolution of 150 dpi. If desired, your of reproduction parts from our last bulk order. The material can also be posted on our website. If you’d contents are some flat girders, 5 hole bush wheels, like any part of your submissions returned, please double brackets, 2 inch pulleys with no boss, 2 inch say so; otherwise I will keep everything. axle rods, long bolts and a few other miscellaneous Next Issue Deadline items. Please contact me at home at 416-733-8670 Please note that we plan to publish the March 2011 to discuss your wants. In addition to this I have issue early around February 18; the final deadline beautiful brass spacers drilled and tapped at lengths is February 10. from 3.5 inch to 5.5 inch. They are priced as follows: David Williams 3.5 inch is $6.00, and for every half inch increase simply add $1.00 I also have pristine solid brass hex nuts sold in packs of 500. The price for this item is $50.00 for 500, $90.00 for $1000.00 and $75.00 per 1000 if 3000 or more is purchased. Finally I have a pile of medium red Meccano flexible plates made for us by 4 Canadian MeccaNotes December 2010

Metallus. The parts are all standard Meccano from Our newest member, Michael Sobanski, has as- # 188 to # 197. First-come, first-served. The price sumed the mantle of Treasurer following Marsha is heavily discounted. Please contact me directly Brandston’s untimely death, and Frank Curry, as for costing on these items. Secretary, does all that has asked of him. Our club has a good supply of current Meccano sets With the passing of Marsha Brandston in February, that have been marked down significantly. Last but we lost the last of the founding members of the not least, we have Metallus “Berlin” sets at $975.00 original Executive (other than yours truly, of course). cdn including shipping anywhere in North America. Marsha’s passing was particularly poignant, as she I promise that any order will fit down your chimney. was looked on as the “den mother” by all the participants who attended the shows - notably The All the best and Happy New Year! Hobby Show - that were held in the Greater Toronto David Duncan, Product Manager, CMAMAS Area. It was Marsha who organised the food at such shows, who made sure we got the best deal when we had a dinner associated with a particular exhibition, and who saw to it that there was a Presidential Perusings generous selection of door prizes for those who Being something of a traditionalist, I look upon the attended. years 2001-2010 to be the true measure of a Talking of the Hobby Show, we were delighted to decade, which means that, as be able to exhibit at the International Centre again far I am concerned, it will end this year, since our last attendance was in 2007. A this month. As far as the full report on the show will appear in the March Meccano/Erector scene and issue, as we have already plenty of show reports in Meccano modeling are con- the current issue. The highlight was the third sale cerned, it has been a pretty of the material that had previously been owned by impressive decade. In my Ken Weavens, with several pre-war Aeroplane and view, the Canadian Meccano Car Sets being on offer. Many members were able fraternity stands tall with the to acquire some very attractive and useful lots. other similar communities Believe it or not, there are still a few items left that around the world, and we have made major contri- will be available to purchase via silent Auction at butions to the hobby. one of our regular locations in 2011. For a start, I want to pay tribute to the Executive Another event that has occurred for the first time in that has been so strong in bringing the hobby to all a couple of years has been the opportunity to our members. The current members have all display some of our models at a toy store in shown great dedication, and it has been a pleasure Toronto. This time, we were able to display them working with them all. One of them, David Duncan, at a new location, the Treasure Island Toy Store on was awarded the 2010 Canadian Meccanoman of Danforth Avenue. Again, a report on the display will the Year trophy. David has had to deal with more be published in the March issue. than just ordering parts and sets on behalf of members, as he has also had to work around the All that remains is for me to wish everyone the very uncertainty of the future of Exacto, as well as best for the festive season, and for a great 2011. actively seeling new sources of parts for members. Please keep in mind that, if you are building a The other David, David Williams, has produced the completely new model, we are happy to publish magazine from his home in Edmonton for more both photographs and a write-up of it. Even if the than a decade, but, thanks to the Internet, we can model you construct comes from a ModelPlan, any exchange the finished product in seconds, and then photographs of your masterpiece are still welcome. Attila Szakonyi can produce the printed version. Colin Hoare December 2010 Canadian MeccaNotes 5 2010 Canadian Meccanoman Railfair of the Year October 16-17, 2010 David Duncan Ron Kurtz and Hubert Hogle put on a pretty good display at a very busy Ottawa Railfair Show, Octo- From time to time, the first choice for the presti- ber 16-17. Ron brought his tar sands excavator gious award of Canadian Meccanoman of the Year which moved corn on one table while Hubert’s is someone who has voting rights on the candi- blocksetter moved red-green jelly beans into rail dates. In other words, the top choice is a member cars on another. Visitors helped themselves to the of the Executive. When this happens, the remain- occasional jelly bean. No one ate the corn. der of the Executive has to be somewhat secretive, by “omitting” to include the topic of selection of Hubert Hogle, Napanee ON, [email protected] Canadian Meccanoman of the Year from the obvi- See the photos on the back cover (page 28). ous choice at Executive Meetings. Such was the case this year. Our Product Manager, David Duncan was the obvious selection, but the rest of the members of the Executive had to hope that he would not raise the topic at any of our Meetings. Fortunately he did not. David has done a tremendous amount of work on behalf of C. M. A. M. A. S., not only in 2010, but also in previous years - essentially, from the time when he assumed the mantle of Product Manager. Ne- gotiating with our suppliers in India and Argentina has not always been as smooth as we would like, particularly this year, when we learnt that Exacto plans to shut down operations. David has continued to liaise with our supplier, and was successful in securing over 90% of our March order. He has also explored other sources, notably Metallus. He has also devoted many hours to making sure that all our members who have ordered parts are sent their parcels as soon as possible after the bulk orders have arrived in Canada. In addition, David is a skilled modelbuilder, and has assembled and displayed several Supermodels at Meccano shows. Members of the Executive have also had the pleasure of seeing his modelbuilding room (albeit still something of a “work in progress”). All of us look forward to David’s contributions in the year to come. Hopefully, his enthusiasm will rub off on his young son, and we will have two generations of the Duncan family participating in future exhibi- tions. Colin Hoare 6 Canadian MeccaNotes December 2010 Two Models by Terry Pettitt forward and all the driving wheels are sprung and was originally motorised but the motor has since 1. Locomotive been removed. The chimney is a ships funnel and This model is based on the Santa Fe 2-10-4 fast the cow catcher is formed from short driving bands. freight loco. The construction is fairly straight

around the late twenties and still in use into the 2. Bus fifties. This is a model of the Leyland Lion PLSC built It is driven by a powerdrive motor via a clutch, 3 December 2010 Canadian MeccaNotes 7

speed and reverse gearbox to a double reduction differential the construction of which can be seen in the photo and this works very smoothly. A destination board is fitted and comprises a roll of paper with the various destinations and is actuated by the small handle under the roof alongside the drivers cab. Both of these models were built in the late seventies and have not been dismantled. Terry Pettitt

Having Fun at the Nov. 2010 Hobby Show This photo from the Hobby Show shows that adults can also have fun with my models. Eric Eisen, [email protected] Editor’s note: the show report with many more photos will appear in the next issue. 8 Canadian MeccaNotes December 2010 December 2010 Canadian MeccaNotes 9 A Rare Part version was also announced, and illustrated but with the now familiar hole/slot formation. It would I suspect that, within collecting communities, the seem that the double-slotted version was only most abused word in the English language is “rare”. available for a few months in 1927, and only as a Anyone who has even casually looked at e-Bay will right handed version. know that this is especially so. In fact, as I write this on 10th September, a quick search under this word Many years ago, I had numerous discussions with reveals no less than 1,264,847 items of which, Bob Hauton, when he was compiling the Develop- surprisingly, only 88 are for Meccano. Different ment of the Meccano System (DMS), and at that search engines will probably give different results, time he considered the double-slotted 154 as one but you get the point. of those mythical parts. An artist’s impression - no more (just like the Architrave with the centre round hole, or the Windmill sail with three rows of cut- outs). I well remember a subsequent letter from Bob, in which he excitedly noted that he had actually seen and handled a real double-slotted 154, so it does exist. Since that time, I have never seen or heard of another until now. I have seen more 24-tooth Bevel Gears or for that matter Dynometers (sic) from the Hornby System of Me- chanical Demonstration, than the double slotted 154. It truly is in the “Rare parts” category. Ed Barclay

Having said that, I have no hesitation in de- scribing part 154 as a rare part. Recently, I noticed an e-Bay listing of “Old Rare Meccano Parts,” and took a glance at it. There was the usual array of older but very common parts - mostly of the junk variety to boot. Nestled and hiding in the junk, however, I spotted a part 154. I placed a bid, but hardly expected to win the lot, as I know that there are collectors out there with much deeper pockets that I. To my utter amazement -and joy - I won the lot. So, a little history is in order. Part 154 was announced in the October 1927 Meccano Maga- zine as a Corner Angle Bracket. Note that there is no suffix “a” or “b,” nor any mention of right or left hand. What stands this part out is that it is double-slotted. Just two months later, an announcement in the December 1927 Meccano Magazine notes that this part is now called “Corner Angle Bracket Right Hand” and is renumbered as part 154a. The left hand 10 Canadian MeccaNotes December 2010

Gananoque Meccano Show

at the Train Show This selection of photos is from Glynn Bates. August 2010 December 2010 Canadian MeccaNotes 11 12 Canadian MeccaNotes December 2010 My Pinyon Blocksetter Bridge and in the bottom right hand corner the number 4. It did not matter if this was 4 or 10. I Christmas 1950 was very special for me. That year, had my first Meccano set! I spent the next half- to my surprise I found a small rectangular parcel hour, undoing the knot on the string that secured neatly wrapped under the Christmas tree. In the lid onto the box. I did not want to cut it, because seconds, the wrapping was pulled aside exposing a it was a Meccano part. I persevered and opened red cardboard box. I knew in a wink it was the box. There it was, the first thing I saw and Meccano. Only two months earlier, I had a chance probably the most memo- rable picture in Meccano history - the Pinyon Blocksetter Crane. I studied the picture for a long moment. My first thought was “This is what I want to build.” My next thought was “How do I get all this stringing off to release the pieces from this yellow cardboard backing without cutting the string?” My third thought was “I guess I don’t have enough parts to build that crane.” Well - no problem. Some day I will be able to, because Meccano always made it look so easy to get bigger sets and more Meccano to build a truck from Meccano at a friend’s house parts. Next Christmas brought me a 4a set and a two farms over. I remember the box of red and year later a 5a set. I was up to the number 6 set green Meccano parts he had. The box was not red when I wanted the Gears Set. -it was brown, with a lid that opened on hinges. To get two of these sets of gears took two more Two little chains kept the lid from swinging too far years, and so it was I reached the time when I back. There were so many parts, gears, wheels and started to have other interests. The No. 10 set was motors and other parts, I had no idea what they not that important any more. Years passed, I were. Clearly on the top of the lid the words moved many times. With each move, the little box “Meccano Outfit No. 10” were embossed in gold of red and green Meccano and its instruction lettering. From that time, I dreamed of some day manual with the Pinyon Blocksetter Crane on the having a set just like it, even though I knew dad cover went with me. would have to sell about three hogs just to buy the box. Moving this little red box that rattled, reached a high point for an out-of-use kids toy in 1982, when Back to Christmas 1950: I wasted no time removing I moved to the 30th floor of an apartment building the rest of the wrapping paper. The label on the in Toronto. It was around this time I attended the cover was yellow, with “Meccano” in large print CNE Hobby Show, and was amazed to see all the across the top, a picture of two boys building Tower “old boys” showing off the Meccano models they December 2010 Canadian MeccaNotes 13

had built. I decided then, if it was O. K. for them to ever. This would take up less space. This new play with Meccano it was O. K. for me too. I learned collection has been on display at many local shows. about the Meccanoman’s Club of the day and then My collection is largely from the red and green era and there. Ed Barclay was President. I bought a so of course my 167 GRB from MW Models is part copy of the Meccano bible “The Meccano System” of it. The GRB is no longer available for my dream by Love and Gamble. I got on to the MW Models model, the Pinyon Blocksetter Crane. mailing list, from which I ordered parts by long distance telephone. The single most expensive So it was in 2010, I went to e-bay to find another Meccano part I ever purchased came from one of 167 GRB. The bill for this one was $345.32. I went those lists. It was the one special part I thought I to CMAMAS to fill the remaining parts list. Having needed to build the Pinyon Blocksetter Crane, the “retired from retirement” I was ready to “dream the model I had dreamed about as a kid. Part number dream”. I completed my model of the Pinyon 167, the Geared Roller Bearing, listed as lot number Blocksetter Crane based on Meccano model plans 8540 at £750.25 became $1650.00 on this side of 143 as described by Bill Steele. I did use the 167 the pond. But I got it. GRB rather than the system described in the plans. The four functions work beautifully from one mo- I purchased many other items from MW Models, tor. There is a hidden second motor to crank the then found that a fun way to collect sets was to visit slewing that is operated by the first motor, thus the antique shops with my wife. She was an avid one motor claim. This was a fun filled three-month antique collector, and knew where all the good project that brought closure to a longtime Meccano places were. On another venture, I remember dream. My Pinyon Blocksetter in full red and green. sneaking into the Toronto Toy Show on the Friday evening that was for dealers only. Once in, I was Lloyd B. Schneider free to roam. I bought every Meccano item available -including two number 10 sets. I was living my Meccano dream! I could now build my Pinyon Blocksetter Crane. Then I moved: this time it was not the little red box that rattled, but a vanload of Meccano sets. My collection by now included every set from 000 to the No. 10 set, and every in-between (the ‘a’ sets) from 000a to 9a, all in red and green, plus many other spare parts and sets. There was another vanload of models, including Canadian ModelPlan 16 “A Remontoire Clock,” and model 10.4 “Meccano Cargo Ship”. It took one more move after this to convince me that my Meccano collection was taking up too much space. Bring on e-bay, the new source for anything Meccano. I changed gears. I offloaded my red and green set collection, and instead sought to put together a collection consist- ing of a sample of each part Meccano made between 1901 when it all started and 1979, when the factory at Liverpool closed for- 14 Canadian MeccaNotes December 2010 Milton Steam Show 2010 Sept. 3-6, 2010 The 2010 September Labour Day saw the 50th Anniversary Steam-Era Show being held at Milton, Ontario. C.M.A.M.A.S. was once again invited to participate, and as in previous years we exhibited more models and expanded our space. On numerous occasions, we have been advised by the orga- nizers of the show that our exhibit had revitalized the Hobbies Exhibit, and this year that fact was plainly evident. Not only was our space much down! Actually this was very good for us, as the larger, but also there were far more models being crowds flocked into the hobby display. shown from other members. Interest in models is certainly picking up. So, on to our part of the show. Looking around the tables, first there was Charles Perez with his Zep- pelin model. This is a most unusual and interesting skeletal model. Next came Attila Szakonyi with his Twin Beam Pumping Engine and motor Chassis. Daughter Erika was selling her famous Meccano buttons. Next in the line-up was Colin Hoare’s Ferris Wheel. This model, which Colin built from plans, is the expanded version of the standard kit. I have a beef here! Being a fairground fan I cannot help but be irked by the fact that the chairs are supported on the spacer bars, a very unsafe prac- tice indeed. They should always be carried on the ends of the spokes! Next to Colin was Lou Boselli who, once again, As for the show itself - well once again it was a treat traveled the furthest distance to be with us. Lou to see all the old tractors in action. While it is billed showed a Spaceship Ride which was complete with as a steam-era show that doesn’t mean just steam. four immaculate old Japanese Tin Toys. A triple All old tractors and agricultural equipment is wel- Expansion Marine Steam Engine and a Ferris Wheel comed. One exhibitor even trucked his large (chairs supported on the wheel spokes) completed tractor all the way from Alberta to Milton! Person- ally, although I am a steam enthusiast, I have taken a fondness for the Rumely Oil Pull tractors. There were many at Milton this year, and the Midday Parade showcased many from the tiny to the massive. One had wheels over 6 feet in diameter and with clanking gears and that huge cylinder banging and whomping, it was a sight for sore eyes! The weather was quite good, but there were a few bursts of rain - and when I say bursts, I am not exaggerating. There were occasions when the heavens opened up and the rain simply hosed December 2010 Canadian MeccaNotes 15

Lou’s display. Lloyd Schnieder brought along his display board of all the Meccano parts and this year the display was topped off by his Giant Blocksetting Crane. Len Waltham showed his Eiffel Tower, Carousel and, much to the delight of the youngsters, spent many hours creating designs on his Meccanograph. The designs were handed out to the eager watchers. Glynn Bates had an impressive display of Military Tanks, a Jeep and a Ship which looked as though it was constructed from the old American Meccano Ship- Building set. Another Giant Blocksetting Crane was exhibited by Hubert Hogle. Hubert has fully automated this model and it spent the time grabbing loads of Jelly Beans and depositing them into waiting hopper cars. Hubert also displayed his profusion of mechanisms some standard, and some really odd-ball. Eric Eisen at the end table had a large selection of hands-on models, mostly crank operated. Eric spent most of his time with his Balance Beam showing the youngsters how addition, subtraction and even algebra could be demonstrated by mechanical means. Also on the end table was an Oil Pump built by Frank Curry. Scurrying around the floor, much to the amusement of the onlookers, was Frank’s radio controlled Military Tank. Brent Simpson showed a Pulling Tractor and Sled, the sort of thing one sees at tractor pulling contests. The tractor was powered by what looked like a chain-saw 16 Canadian MeccaNotes December 2010

engine. Massive power for a Meccano model, but we didn’t see this model powered up. Also in Brent’s display was a Road Tractor. I forget the type but Kenworth does come to mind. Next to Brent was Jim Bobyn with his large Aircraft constructed from the Junior range of parts. Jim also had a nickel plate Swing Carousel model built from the 1925 Outfit 3. Bill Gibson also had a Meccanograph and was busy creating designs for the youngsters. A large Ferris Wheel completed Bill’s display. Hans Pape, exhibiting for the first time, brought along his traction engine, salon car, airplane, special edition locomotive, and small tractor. As for my self I brought along several models. There were my small 0-4-0 and 0-6-0 show. We will be back again in 2011 - with a larger locomotives, RT bus and C3 Trolleybus. Still in the display? transporta- tion theme, I Ed Barclay had my latest Photos model, a Brill Photos were supplied by Ed Barclay, Interurban Eric Eisen and Glynn Bates. Car of 1910. My steam Mill Eric’s photo of the little girl who Engine ran really admired the Meccano Block perfectly all Setting Crane is a highlight. weekend, as did my Longcase Clock. This year I have added a dial which gives GMT in over 200 locations Worldwide. Fi- nally there was my Racers Game. This is a game for the youngsters. Using a crank, the operator tries to race his car to the top of the ramp. As soon as the operator‘s car starts up, the game starts a powered car. The object is to beat the powered car to the top. The trick, however, is not to turn the crank too fast. If one does turn too fast, a centrifugal governor will change gears and the operator’s car will run in reverse. All in all this was, once again, a very successful December 2010 Canadian MeccaNotes 17 18 Canadian MeccaNotes December 2010 December 2010 Canadian MeccaNotes 19 London Transport Class C3 1933 the London Passenger Transport Board was created which took control of all public transport in Trolleybus the Capital. Two more experimental vehicles were History delivered to LPTB, numbers 62 and 63. Trolleybus Apart from a couple of experimental vehicles, one 63 was a short wheelbase 4-wheeler and remained demonstrated in the Hendon depot in 1909 and the the only such vehicle in the London fleet. Trolleybus other an Austrian vehicle which ran for a week on 62 can be considered the forerunner of the massive a quarter-mile stretch of Greengate Street in West London fleet, as its appearance hardly changed Ham, the era of the London Trolleybus started on throughout the entire run of pre-war trolleybuses. Saturday, 16th May 1931. LPTB recognized the success of the LUT system, and decided to replace all its trams with trolleybuses, and in February 1935 came the announcement that 120 new trolleybuses had been ordered. At the time AEC was proud to proclaim itself as the “Builder of London’s Buses” and would probably have liked to have supplied the chassis for all London’s trolleybuses. It was evident, however, that this would not be possible, so an additional supplier was sought. This proved to be Leyland Motors of Lancashire. As it turned out, AEC and Leyland produced almost equal quanti- ties of London’s trolleybus chassis’. The first batches of these ve- On this date the London United Tramways con- hicles to be delivered were classed as B1, B2, C1, verted all its Kingston area trams to trolleybus operation. This first generation of trolleybus looked very different to the now familiar typical London Trolleybus. These vehicles were nicknamed, for some long forgotten reason, “Diddlers”. LUT was pleased with the instant success of its new transport and decided to embark upon further devel- opment. Only one experimental trolleybus, number 61, was delivered to LUT as in 20 Canadian MeccaNotes December 2010

was delivered. It was assumed that once the war was over the conversion program would resume, but LPTB decided that once the situation normalized, all trams and trolleybuses would be replaced by diesel engine busses. At this time London had the world’s most extensive trolleybus system operated by 1,747 vehicles. C2 and C3. The B class was a short wheelbase 60- The last tram ran into New Cross Depot on 6th July seat type, specifically designed for light traffic or 1952 - London’s first great mistake - and on 8th May hilly routes, and had a Leyland chassis. The C class 1962, 70-year-old driver Albert West eased class L3 was based upon an AEC chassis, and was the trolleybus number 1521 into Fulwell Depot, and the standard 30-footer seating 70 passengers. The era of London’s trolleybus was ended - London’s “Diddlers” having been designated as class A1 and second great mistake! A2 while the three experimental vehicles were X1, X2 and X3. The last C3 trolleybus, the subject of this model, was number 314, being retired from Finchley Depot The C3 class was the most distinctive of all London’s on 11th November 1959. trolleybuses, as these vehicles were fitted with rather handsome rear wheel spats, a feature which The Model they retained for their entire lifetime. During the The model is a small scale non-powered model, and 1930’s and early 1940’s, the conversion of London’s while it is not too difficult to construct, there are tram routes to trolleybus operation continued at a some rather fiddly parts. Like so many of furious pace, and had not the Second World War Meccanomen, I have a large supply of damaged intervened, all the tram routes would have been parts. This consisted mostly of parts with terrible converted. The war curtailed events, however, and zinc rot, bent angle girders and really ratty flexible in October 1941 the last of the Class P1 trolleybuses plates, so I decided to refinish a supply, and at the December 2010 Canadian MeccaNotes 21

same time fabricate a few non-standard parts. In ets holding the rear end of the side members in the model the non-standard strips and angle gird- place. I used the narrow version solely because I ers can easily be substituted by two standard had run out of the standard part 12b type - the lengths. In order to keep the critical spacing, it will narrow type is not necessary. It should be noted be necessary to butt the two lengths together and that the front end of the 7½” Strips cannot be join them by means of a shorter part. For instance the 10" angle girder could be formed from butted 7½” and 2½” Angle Girders, attached by a 2" Angle Girder. The non-standard flexible plates could be cut from card stock. Due to the small scale, a few compromises had to be made. For instance while the correct number of windows is represented, the spacing is a little off. The same com- ments apply to the passenger seats. It is recommended that the builder start with the chassis and work upwards making sure that all the inner seats, bulkheads etc. are in place before the upper floor is fitted. Chassis The construction of the chassis should be clear from the illustration. In my model, there are two narrow 1"x½” Angle Brack- 22 Canadian MeccaNotes December 2010

passed through the slotted holes of the chassis bolted to the frame. The ends of these strips are angle girders, a 1½”x½” Double Angle Strip is securely clamped between the 3½” Angle Girder bolted to the chassis in order to give a round hole. and the 1"x½” Angle Bracket attached to the The steering assembly can be followed from the frame. The floating rear bogie is constructed on a illustration, but there are four modified washers pair of central-hole 2" Strips, spaced from each used in the construction. A Narrow Double Bracket other by three Washers, and secured by long Stud is clamped to the chassis side by means of a 1" Bolts, part 147g. The wheels are free to rotate on narrow Strip spaced from the chassis by a pair of these long Stud Bolts. As the transverse axle is modified M4 Washers. In order to fit against the December 2010 Canadian MeccaNotes 23

Narrow Double Bracket these washers have one side clipped off. The Steering Wheel is attached to the Threaded Boss by means of a 11/8" Bolt, and the front wheels are secured to the outer Narrow Double Bracket by ½” Bolts. A ¾” Bolt locked in the lower end of the Threaded Boss holds the right side wheel in place. The left wheel is secured by means of a Long Stud Bolt. The rear platform is a 3"x1½” Flat Plate bolted to the outer flange of the end 3½” Angle Girder. A 2½” Angle Girder, protruding one hole, is attached to the outer edge of this plate. Side Plating It is recommended that all the lower seats and front bulkhead are fitted before the side plating is constructed. The plating can be easily followed from the illustrations. The front 2½”x2" Triangular Flexible Plates are spaced from the chassis end by means of a Washer and a Plastic Spacer. Upper Floor The construction of the upper floor can be followed from the illustration. The left hand side uses a 12" Angle Girder. This can, of course, be substituted by butting together standard lengths. If a 12½” Angle 24 Canadian MeccaNotes December 2010

of a pair of longitudinal 12½” Strips and seven transverse 2½” Strips. The edges of the plates must be carefully formed into a curve. I found that by bolting a temporary 12½” Strip along the outer holes helped form the curve. The rear dome is a 3½” Ob- tuse Angle Girder carrying a pair of curved 2½”x1½” Flex- ible Plates. Trolley Gantry Construction can be followed from the illustration. Each

Girder is used, the front end will protrude below the special flexible side plate. Once the floor is constructed, it can be located within the bus body. Attach the seats and stairway. The rear bench seat can be followed from the illustration. The stairwell guard is a 2" Angle Girder carrying a pair of Fishplates which have a 2" Strip bolted across their top ends. The rear platform fitting can be added at this stage. The outer bulkhead is a 3½” Flat Girder, while the inner one is a 3" Angle girder carrying a 1½” Triangular Plate at its top. The pole is a 3" Axle fitted with Rod Connectors at each end. These Rod Connectors are held in place by bolts protruding into their ends. Roof The 4½”x2½” roof plates are reinforced by means December 2010 Canadian MeccaNotes 25

side uses a pair of 1"x½” Obtuse Narrow Angle Brackets which have their 1" arm also bent to an obtuse angle. The cheesehead bolts shown in the illustration are Set Screws. These set screws also carry a nut on the upper end. This is to shorten the bolt’s protru- sion on the under side. The cat walk is a 7" Strip spaced from the roof by a pair of Washers. The trolley poles are 9" Pendulum Rods. A pair of Rod Sock- ets is attached to the rear dome. These Rod Sock- ets each carry a part 184g into which is screwed a Spring Cord Hook. These hooks hold down the trolley poles when not in use. It is a good idea to slightly bend these hooks outward - but be forewarned that this is difficult, as they are made of very hard material. Decals The decals are the correct ones for route 628 and trolleybus 289 did run on this route. At the time this route was serviced by Stonebridge Park Depot. In latter years Hammersmith Depot took over the 628 route. Ed Barclay Editor’s note: the parts list and more photos will continue in the next issue. 26 Canadian MeccaNotes December 2010

Meccano Quebec at Railway Museum See photos on front cover On August 21-22, Meccano Quebec exhibited for the first time at the (page 1). south-shore-Montreal Railway Museum. Lots of big machinery, some of it Meccano. The place smells nice and diesely, and would benefit from some Meccano steam engines and ozone from more working electric motors. Regards, Jim Bobyn in Montreal December 2010 Canadian MeccaNotes 27 The Peddler FOR SALE: 106 MMs 1950 to 1964. E-mail me for list. Hubert Hogle [email protected]. FOR SALE: Meccano Clock #2 Kit. Mint in box, never assembled. Box has been opened and parts FOR SALE: Is there any interest in an American counted to ensure Gilbert Erector part accumulation? David Will- quantity and condition. iams, [email protected], 780-438-1197. Price - $350.00 (plus postage or shipping) - contact Fred Hodgson @ [email protected] or 705-944-5539.

MECCANO & ERECTOR Parts, Sets & Literature Old, New, Used, Restored Send $2.00 (U.S. or CDN) New Parts List w/Prices *** SPECIAL TO MEMBERS *** Remote Control Units with 2 Motors: US $50.00 ALSO Master Builder Sets: US $100.00 (Shipping Extra) Discounts on 1990's sets; Call or e-mail for details. LOU BOSELLI 19 Payson Rd. Cornwall-on-Hudson N.Y. 12520 U.S.A. (845) 534-2863 [email protected] http://www.cmamas.ca/meccano/ Lou_Boselli/ 28 Canadian MeccaNotes December 2010

Railfair Photos ... see page 5